Lid for cup

ABSTRACT

A lid for a cup includes an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable into a cup wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/467,562 filed May 18, 2009 and the applicant claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. 120.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a lid for a disposable container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A dispensing container is typically formed with a cup and a lid that attaches to the rim of the cup. After putting a liquid into the cup, the lid is attached to form a sealed container that resists spillage. The lid typically has an orifice of sufficient area to dispense a product. The orifice is large enough to dispense the product based on the viscosity of the product and consumer preference for product flow rate, yet small enough to reduce spillage from tilting or bumping the container. Common examples of a dispensed liquid product are coffee, tea or a cold beverage.

A lid commonly has a concaved lip that attaches to the cup with a compressive force on the rim. The lid is typically made of plastic with sufficient elasticity to maintain the compressive force on the rim when attached to the cup.

When the consumer subsequently disposes of the container, the lid is not always removed. When the cup and lid are made from materials from different recycling categories, the disadvantage arises that the container may be rejected for recycling. For example, glass, plastic and paper are a few of the numerous recycling categories. A container composed of a paper cup and a plastic lid may require the lid to be separated prior to recycling.

Cups which are to receive hot materials such as, for example, hot coffee, suffer from the disadvantage that the cup particularly when made from inexpensive materials such as light plastic or paper, permits the heat from the hot material to be transmitted through the cup making the cup too hot to hold in a user's hand. A similar disadvantage can occur with cups to hold other materials such as soups, pasta, rice or any other materials which might be hot. As well, a similar disadvantage arises in respect of cold materials such as, for example, a cold beverage or a cup containing crushed ice where, in that case, the beverage is too cold to hold comfortably.

A further disadvantage arises that some cups and notably paper cups do not have adequate strength to guard against disadvantageous deformation such as, for example, in the case of a relatively large paper cup, deformation to a size which reduces the volume of the cup may cause fluid in the cup to be displaced out the top of the cup.

Coffee cups and lids are known in which, for example, a plastic lid is snapped onto the top of a cup with the lid having an outlet orifice therethrough through which fluid is to be passed to be consumed by a user and in which the lid defines a liquid reservoir sump having a capability of receiving at least some fluid after it comes out the orifice. A disadvantage of many known lids is that the liquid reservoir sump is relatively small such that only a small amount of liquid which may come out from the outlet orifice can be retained particularly if the cup is disposed at an angle. This is particularly disadvantageous, for example, and arises when a cup may be carried by a person and when the cup is secured in a cup holder in a moving vehicle. Firstly, only a small amount of fluid can be retained in the liquid reservoir sump and, secondly, fluids in this sump which may be forced about by movement have only a relatively small axially upwardly extending side wall of the sump to prevent spillage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a lid having a frustoconical body to be received within a frustoconical cup.

One object of the present invention is to provide a lid for a container which has portions which serve to reinforce the container. Another object is to provide a lid which assists in reducing thermal transfer through the side wall of the container.

Another object is to provide a lid with an advantageously sized liquid reservoir sump.

The present invention has many aspects. In one aspect, the present invention provides a lid for a cup with the lid having an annular wall which, at least in part, comes into engagement with an annular wall of the cup to create a seal preventing fluid flow outwardly therepast. The cup preferably has a frustoconical side wall and the lid has a complementary frustoconical side wall for engagement with the frustoconical side wall of the cup. The cup and lid may be formed from any materials, however, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the cup and lid are both formed from paper, as defined herein, and may preferably be recycled together. Overlapping of the annular frustoconical side wall of the cup and the annular frustoconical side wall of the lid provides for insulating areas about the cup preferred for engagement by a user to reduce the thermal transfer between hot or cold materials in the cup and a user's hand grasping the cup. The insertion of the lid within the cup enhances the structural integrity of the cup and can assist in utilizing materials for the cup and the lid which individually have reduced structural characteristics yet, in combination, have improved structural characteristics. The lid preferably provides an adequate liquid retention sump with the volume of the fluid retention sump in a preferred embodiment enhanced by the lid extending upwardly beyond the upper end of the cup.

In another aspect, the invention features a lid for a cup. The lid has an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable into a cup optionally substantially in its entirety wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup. A disc extends from an interior face of the annular wall to cover the area circumscribed by the annular wall with the disc having a dispensing orifice therethrough.

In another aspect, the invention features a lid for a cup. The lid has an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable, in one embodiment substantially in its entirety, into a cup wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup. The annular wall of the lid preferably has a constant height. The annular wall of the lid preferably is tapered with the diameter of the top rim being larger than the diameter of the bottom base. The top rim of the lid may have a concave lip for resting on a rim of the cup.

In another aspect, the invention features a container with a cup having a tapered annular wall and a lid having an annular wall. The annular wall of the lid has a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall of the lid is insertable, in some embodiments substantially in its entirety, into the cup such that an exterior face of the annular wall of the lid produces a compressive force against an interior face of the annular wall of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a container comprising in combination a cup and a separate lid, the cup comprising a resilient, hollow, frustroconical cup body having a cup first end and a cup second end,

the cup body including a annular cup side wall extending from the cup first end to the cup second end;

the cup side wall having an inwardly directed inner cup wall surface and an outwardly directed outer cup wall surface,

the cup open at the cup first end,

the cup closed proximate the cup second end via a cup bottom disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the cup side wall,

the cup bottom disc having an first surface directed towards the cup first end, the inner cup wall surface at the cup first end having a cup first end inner diameter greater than a cup bottom inner diameter of the inner cup wall surface at the first surface of the cup bottom disc,

the lid comprising a resilient, hollow, frustroconical lid body having a lid first end and a lid second end,

the lid body including an annular lid side wall extending from the lid first end to the lid second end;

the lid side wall having an inwardly directed inner lid wall surface and an outwardly directed outer lid wall surface,

the lid open at the lid first end,

the lid open at the lid second end,

the lid closed intermediate the lid first end and the lid second end via a lid disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the lid side wall,

the lid disc having an second surface directed towards the lid second end,

a fluid port forming orifice through the lid disc for permitting fluid flow,

the outer lid wall surface at the lid first end having a lid first end outer diameter greater than a lid second end outer diameter of the outer lid wall surface at the second lid end,

the outer lid wall surface at the lid second end having a lid second end outer diameter greater than the cup bottom inner diameter,

the lid insertable into the cup to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup with:

(a) the lid second end within the cup,

(b) the second surface of the lid disc directed towards the first surface of the cup bottom disc, and

(c) the outwardly directed outer lip wall surface frictionally engaging with the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface so as to preventing fluid flow between the lid side wall and the cup side wall. Preferably, the cup side wall having an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open cup first end and/or the lid side wall has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open lid first end. Preferably, each of the cup bottom disc and the lid disc is circular

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a container showing a first embodiment of a cup and one version of a lid in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the container and lid of FIG. 1 showing the lid inserted into the cup.

FIG. 3A is a schematic three-dimensional view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a lip.

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A taken along line A-A′ showing annular walls with a taper.

FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown in FIG. 3B, further modified by showing annular walls without a taper.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container showing an example of a path representative of a seal that may form between the lid as shown in FIG. 3A and the cup.

FIG. 5A is a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a lid without a lip.

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5A taken along line A-A′ showing annular walls with a taper.

FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown in FIG. 5B, further modified by showing annular walls without a taper.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 showing an example of a path representative of a seal that may form between the lid as show in FIG. 5A and the cup.

FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lid with a lip, annular walls without a taper and a surface wherein the top wall section is the entire annular wall.

FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown in FIG. 7B, further modified with the lip removed.

FIG. 8 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a container showing a second embodiment of a cup and a version of a lid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view of the container and lid of FIG. 8 showing the lid inserted into the cup;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section diametrically through the assembled cup and lid shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 10, however, of a cup in accordance with a second embodiment but with a different version of a lid;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment of a cup, however, with a different version of the lid and in which the bottom of a second upper cup is shown stacked vertically upon the lid of the lower cup;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12 showing a cup in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention and one version of a lid;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional plan view radially through the cup of FIG. 13 along section line A-A′;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a lid as shown in FIG. 8 which also includes a closure member;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view through FIG. 15 along section A-A′;

FIG. 17 is a three-dimensional view of a lid in accordance with a further version;

FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional view of the lid of FIG. 17 with the lid inserted to a cup in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional view of a lid in accordance with a further embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a three-dimensional view of the lid of FIG. 19 inserted into a cup in accordance with the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of lids described herein include variations that form a seal between the lid and the interior wall of a cup rather than gripping the top rim of the cup. The embodiments describe lids that are inserted into a cup with a bottom base of the lid narrower than the opening of the cup. The lid is inserted until a sufficient portion of the wall of the lid makes contact with the inside of the cup to form a continuous seal within the interior of the cup. The lid is then further inserted into the cup to create compressive force between the lid and the interior of the cup. The compressive force forms a seal to contain product within the cup and retains the lid with frictional force relative to the inside of the cup such that the lid is prevented from being accidentally dislodged. The inserted lid forms a container that holds a product, which may be a liquid, a granular form solid or other suitably dispensable product. In contrast to lids known in the art, the various embodiments of a lid as described do not exert significant, if any, force on the outer wall of the cup when forming the seal. Some embodiments of lids have a concave lip on the top rim of the lid to prevent the lid from being inserted too far into the cup. Insertion is limited to the point where the lip of the lid rests on the top rim of the cup. Further variations include a non-tapered wall of the lid and different positions of a surface that retains the product in the container against accidental spillage. Advantageously, the lid can be made of the same material as the cup. In addition, the lid can be manufactured using a variety of existing manufacturing processes. The result is a lid that may remain affixed to the cup after use, thereby facilitating the recycling process. Common examples of readily recyclable materials include paper, plastic and STYROFOAM^(a). These examples illustrate a few of the numerous recyclable materials that exist, or may be envisioned in the future. The embodiments described will provide the benefits of simplified recycling for any lid material that is sufficiently similar to the cup material such that the lid and cup materials are considered from the same recycling category.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a dispensing container 10 with a tapered cup 20 positioned to receive one embodiment of a lid 30. FIG. 2 shows the dispensing container 10 with the lid 30 inserted into the cup 20, thereby forming a seal between the cup 20 and the lid 30. The seal operates to limit accidental spillage of a product previously introduced into the cup 20. The lid 30 has a concave lip 31 that limits the extent to which the lid can enter the cup 20 by making contact with, and resting upon, a cup rim 22.

FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of the lid 30. FIG. 3B further illustrates the embodiment of the lid 30 including an annular wall 32 with a top rim 34 (having the concave lip 31) and a bottom base 36. The annular wall 32 is tapered at an angle substantially similar to the wall of the cup 20. Tapered, as used herein, means that the diameter of the top rim 34 is greater than the diameter of the bottom base 36. The annular wall 32 is divided into a top wall section 38 and a bottom wall section 40 by a surface 42. The bottom wall section 40 is thicker than the top wall section 38 and the bottom wall section 40 is similar to the thickness of the surface 42.

The surface 42 has a dispensing orifice 44 and a venting orifice 46. In general, the dispensing orifice is larger than the venting orifice. The dispensing orifice must have sufficient area to dispense a product at a flow rate acceptable to customers without being unduly large such that the risk of accidental spillage through the orifice is significantly increased. The venting orifice allows air to flow into the container to replace the dispensed product. This reduces the vacuum pressure caused by a reduction in product volume. The reduction in vacuum pressure permits faster product flow rate out of the dispensing orifice.

Exemplary dimensions of the lid 30 are shown in FIG. 3B with working dimensions referenced in inches. Although these dimensions are illustrative of one embodiment, it should be appreciated that numerous variations to these dimensions and tolerances are realizable within the scope of the invention. Further embodiments, as described below also include working dimensions referenced in inches for illustrative purposes. These further embodiments are similarly not to be construed as limiting to possible variations in dimensions or tolerances.

The seal resulting from insertion of the lid 30 into the cup 20 is formed by the compressive force between a portion of the annular wall 32 that makes contact with the inside of the cup 20. The portion of the annular wall 32 that makes contact with the inside of the cup 20 may be at any point between the bottom base 36 and the top rim 34 provided the contact area forms a continuous path circumscribing the inside of the cup 20, thereby forming a seal to prevent accidental spillage of a product in the container 10.

The height of the annular wall 32 is chosen to provide sufficient frictional force against the inside of the cup 20 after the lid 30 is inserted into the cup 20. In one embodiment, the height of the annular wall 32 is constant. The frictional force occurs across the contact area of the annular wall 32 against the inside of the cup 20. This frictional force prevents the lid 30 from becoming accidentally dislodged from the inside of the cup 20 thereby resulting in a loss of the compressive force between the annular wall 32 and the inside of the cup 20, which further results in the loss of the seal 21. The contact area has been found to be sufficient to prevent the lid from dislodging where a constant annular wall height of approximately one inch is used with a paper lid inserted into a paper cup.

FIG. 3C shows another embodiment of a lid 30′ distinguished from the lid 30 in FIG. 3B in that the annular wall 32 is not tapered and the concave lip 31 is made correspondingly wider so that the concave lip 31 can extend to and rest on the cup rim 22 (FIG. 2). Not tapered, as used herein, means that the diameter of the top rim 34 is substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom base 36.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cup 20 with lid 30 inserted to form a continuous seal 21 wherein the annular wall 32 of the lid 30 makes contact with the interior wall of the cup 20. FIG. 4 also shows the depth of insertion to be limited to the point where the concave lip 31 rests upon the cup rim 22. The continuous seal 21 need not follow a straight line around the circumference of the interior wall of the cup 20. FIG. 4 shows one example of the contact area forming a seal 21 for illustrative purposes. The boundaries of the seal area will vary depending upon the planarity of the annular wall 32 and the planarity of the inside of the cup. The contact area may vary further depending upon the alignment of the lid 30 relative to the cup 20 upon insertion of the lid 30. The line of the seal 21 is tolerant of misalignment between the inserted lid 30 and the cup 20 as well as perturbations on the interior wall of the cup 20 and the annular wall of the lid 30.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show another embodiment of a lid 50 distinguished from the lid 30 in FIG. 3B in that the lid 50 lacks the concave lip 31. The lid 50 may be inserted further into the cup 20 as compared to lid 30 to the point where the annular wall 32 compresses against the inside of the cup 20 beyond what is necessary to sufficiently seal the contents of cup 20. FIG. 5C shows another embodiment of a lid 50′ distinguished from the lid 50 in FIG. 5B in that the annular wall 32 is not tapered.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the cup 20 with lid 50 inserted to form a continuous seal 21 wherein the annular wall 32 of the lid 50 makes contact with the interior wall of the cup 20. The depth of insertion is not limited by a concave lip 31 (FIG. 4). This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of the lid 50 by removing the manufacturing step of forming the concave lip 31. The lid 50 is intentionally shown in an exaggerated manner to be misaligned to the cup 20 to illustrate a potential path of the seal 21 that is tolerant of such misalignment.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show another embodiment of a lid 60 distinguished from the lid 30′ in FIG. 3C in that the surface 42 does not divide the annular wall 32 into a top wall section 38 and a bottom wall section 40. In this embodiment, the surface 42 extends from the bottom base 36 of the annular wall 32. The annular wall 32 has a similar thickness to the thickness of the surface 42.

FIG. 7C shows another embodiment of a lid 60′ distinguished from the lid 60 in FIG. 7B in that the lid 60′ lacks the concave lip 31.

Reference is made to FIGS. 8 to 10 which show a container formed from a second embodiment of a cup 20′ and a lid 70. The cup 20′ has a construction of a type which is generally known in the art with a frustoconical, tapering outer annular wall 132 having a rolled top rim 22. As seen in FIG. 10, the outer annular wall 132 extends downwardly to a bottom base 136 where the material forming the wall bends upwardly as an inner annular wall 133 which extends upwardly inside the outer annular wall 132 to where the inner annular wall 133 merges with a bottom disc 141 closing the bottom of the cup as a surface 142.

The lid 70 shown in FIG. 10 has a construction analogous to the construction of the cup 20′. As seen the lid 70 is a frustoconical tapering annular outer wall 32 which carries a rolled top rim 34. The outer annular wall extends downwardly to the bottom base 36 where the material forming the outer annular wall is folded back upon itself and extends upwardly as an inner annular wall 33 to where it joins a center disc 41 carrying the surface 42. Over the bottom wall section 40 below the disc 41, the lid 70 comprises two thicknesses of the material as shown.

The lid 70 is shown as inserted into the open upper end of the cup 20′ inside the top rim 22 of the cup 20′ and is forced downwardly into frictionally sealed engagement between a radially outwardly directed surface 35 of the annular outer wall 32 and the radially inwardly directed surface 135 of the outer annular wall 132 of the cup 20′.

As seen in FIG. 9, the dispensing orifice 44 extends through the closure disc 41 as does a venting orifice 46. As seen in FIG. 10 in a sealingly nested condition, when the lid 70 is frictionally engaged in a sealed relation inside the cup 20′, the surface 42 of the disc 41 is located approximate the roll top rim 22 of the lid 70 as is believed advantageous. The top rim 34 is shown spaced outwardly from the rolled top rim 22 of the cup 20′ as is believed advantageous to provide within the lid 70 above the disc 41 a relatively large volume which can serve to catch and retain fluid from the cup 20′ as in use, for example, being carried by a user or, for example, in a storage holder in a moving vehicle.

The bottom wall section 40 extends downwardly inside the cup 20′ and serves a number of functions. Firstly, the bottom wall section 40 serves to reinforce the cup 20′ and to provide increased rigidity and the strength of the resultant container by significantly reinforcing the outer annular wall 132 of the cup 20′ over the bottom wall section 40 where, as shown, there is an enlarged thickness of the lid 70 in the embodiment illustrated by reason of there being two layers of the sheet material forming the lid 70 over the bottom wall section 40. The bottom wall section 40 additionally serves an insulating feature. The lid wall 32 preferably has an insulating valve. As seen in FIG. 10, when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition, the lid side wall 32 overlaps with the cup side wall 132 over an insulating overlapping area indicated as 344 in FIGS. 9 and 10 where there is an increased insulating value compared to the cup side wall 132 alone. The outwardly directed outer cup wall surface 235 overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall 132 is particularly adapted for engagement by a hand of a user so as to assist in reducing thermal transfer therethrough between material in the cup and the user's hand. In FIG. 9, the insulating overlapping area 344 extends as an annular ring annularly about the cup between the rolled top rim 22 of the cup and a dashed line shown in FIG. 9 schematically representing the cup second end 36. Preferably, visual indicia may be provided on the cup so as to direct a user to grasp the cup over the insulating overlapping area 334. In FIG. 9, this is indicated by the words GRASP HERE and a series of arrows which could be provided at different locations about the periphery of the cup. Alternatively, other indicia such as colours, for example, the blue colour or other markings could be provided to assist a user in understanding they should grasp the cup over the insulating overlapping area 334.

Additionally, it is preferred that a user not grasp the lid 70 to hold a filled cup. Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, other visual indicia may be provided on the cup to discourage a user from grasping the container 10 merely by the lid. In this regard, on the lid side wall 32, there is provided the visual indicia DO NOT GRASP on portions of the lid which are visible above the cup when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition. Again, other types of visual indicia or constructions to the lid can be provided towards assisting in preventing a user from engaging the lid alone to hold a cup. Over those areas of the cup 20′ where the lid 70 overlies the inner surface of the annular outer wall 132, the lid 70 provides increased resistance to thermal transfer through the wall as between the contents within the container 10 and a user's hand which may grasp the container. In particular, over the bottom wall section 40, there is provided a double layer of the sheet material forming the lid 70 such that over this area there are three layers of material, namely, the layer of the outer annular wall 132 of the cup 20′ and then two layers of the lid 70, namely the annular outer wall 32 and the annular inner wall 33. The insulating overlapping areas of the cup side wall 32 preferably comprises an annular band extending circumferentially entirely about the cup side wall 132 and axially from the cup first end 220 towards the cup second end 136 a distance selected from the groove consisting of at least the width of a user's finger, at least the width of a user's thumb, at least one half inch, at least three-quarters inch, at least one inch, at least 1.5 inches and at least 2.5 inches. Functionally, the insulating overlapping area has a width to permit this area to be comfortably grasped by a user's hand to minimize thermal transfer.

The lid 70 is preferably sized so as to extend into the cup 20′ and locate the double walled bottom wall section 40 over an annular area about the cup where a user's hand is most likely to be located with this area preferably extending from the top rim 22 of the cup 20′ or at least proximate to the top rim 22 of the cup 20′ downwardly to the bottom base 36 with the bottom base 36 located at a level which permits the cup to conveniently be held by its outer annular wall 132 above the bottom base 36 of the lid 70. Reducing thermal transfer from contents of the cup 20′ to the outside of the outer annular wall 32 is advantageous when either hot or cold materials are contained within the container 10.

As seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, locating the top rim 34 of the lid 70 above the top rim 22 of the cup 20′ is believed advantageous so as to provide with the increased height to the top wall section 38 an increased volume to a liquid retention sump 91 to retain fluids in the lid above the disc 41. The volume of the liquid retention sump 91 may be defined as the volume in the lid 70′ above disc 41 and inside the top wall section 38. However, it is to be appreciated that this is not necessary and the top rim 34 of the lid 70 may be provided either adjacent the top rim 22 of the cup 20′ or above it. As well, the top rim 34 is a preferred but non-essential feature of the lid 70 and if it is eliminated, this can permit the top rim 34 of the lid to be reduced to be received below the top rim 20 of the cup 20′.

As seen in FIG. 10, the cup has a hollow frustoconical body having a cup first end 220 and a cup second end represented by the bottom base 136. The cup body includes the annular cup side wall 132 which extends from the cup first end 220 to the cup second end 136. The cup side wall has an inwardly directed cup side wall surface 135 and an outwardly directed cup wall surface 235. The cup is closed proximate the cup second end 136 via a cup bottom disc 141 which is preferably circular and is fixedly sealably coupled about its periphery to the cup side wall 132. The cup bottom disc 141 has the surface 142 directed towards the cup first end 220. The inner cup wall surface 135 at the cup first end 220 has a first end inner diameter schematically illustrated as D3. The inner cup wall surface at the surface 142 of the cup bottom disc 142 has a cup bottom inner disc indicated D4. By reason of the cup being frustoconical, the cup first end inner diameter D3 is greater than the cup bottom inner diameter D4.

The lid 70 is shown as comprising a hollow frustoconical lid body with the lid having a first end indicated as 322 and the lid second end comprising the bottom base 36. The lid body includes the annular lid side wall 32 extending from the lid first end 322 to the lid second end 36. The lid side wall 32 has an inwardly directed inner lid wall surface 335 and an outwardly directed outer lid wall surface 35. The lid is open at the lid first end 322 and the lid is open at the lid second end 36. The lid is closed intermediate the lid first end 322 and the lid second end 36 via the lid disc 42 which is preferably circular and is fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the lid side wall 32. The lid disc 41 has a surface 43 directed towards the lid second end and a surface 42 directed towards the lid first end. The outer lid wall surface 35 proximate the first end 322 has a lid first end outer diameter indicated as D1. The outer lid wall surface 35 at the second lid end 36 has a lid second end outer diameter indicated D2. By reason that the lid is frustoconical, the lid first end outer diameter D1 is greater than the lid second end outer diameter D2.

The lid 70 is insertable into the cup 20′ to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup as shown in FIG. 10 in which: (a) the lid second end 36 is within the cup, (b) the surface 43 of the lid disc 41 is directed towards the surface 142 of the cup bottom disc 141, and (c) the outwardly directed outer lip wall surface 35 frictionally engages with the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface 135 to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface 135 so as to prevent fluid flow between the lid side wall 32 and the cup side wall 132. As seen in the embodiment of FIG. 2, when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition of FIG. 10, the lid second end 36 is located between the cup first end 220 and the cup second end 133. This arises in that the lid second end outer diameter D2 is greater than the cup second end inner diameter D4. As also seen in the embodiment of FIG. 10, when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup, the lid side wall 32 extends away from the cup bottom disc 141 outwardly past the cup first end 220. This arises in that the lid first end outer diameter D1 is greater than the cup first end outer diameter D3.

On FIG. 10, two dashed lines 340 and 341 are indicated. The dashed line 341 is intended to represent a preferred liquid level being a preferred height above the cup bottom disc 141 that a volume of liquid is preferably to be provided to fill the cup when the lid is not coupled to the cup. Thereafter, on insertion of the cup into the lid to assume the sealingly nested condition in FIG. 10, the insertion of the lid into the cup will displace the liquid contained in the cup such that the liquid will now assume a liquid level indicated 340. The liquid levels 31 is preferably selected having regard to the nature of the lid such that the liquid level 340 after the lid has been inserted into the cup will be below the disc lid 41. The liquid level 340 is to be considered as below the lid disc 41 and the context of the lid being in the sealingly nested condition and with an axis of the frustoconical cup portion indicated as 342 being vertical.

Reference is made to FIG. 11 which shows a container 10 having a cup 20′ identical to that shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, however, with a lid 70′ which is identical to the lid 70 in FIGS. 8 to 10, however, is of reduced axial extent such that the top rim 34 of the lid 70′ is located closer to the top rim 22 of the cup 20′. Both the top wall section 38 and the bottom wall section 40 are of reduced axially extent on the lid 70′ of FIG. 11 compared to the lid 70 of FIG. 10. Nevertheless, in FIG. 11, the portions of the lid 70′ which are inside the cup 20′ below the top rim 22 provide for reinforcement to the cup and for insulation which assists a person on grasping the cup 20′ about the upper end of the cup 20′ underneath the top rim 22.

Reference is made to FIG. 12 which illustrates a container 10 in side view identical to that shown in FIG. 10, however, with the modification that the disc 41 of the lid 70″ has an annular frustoconical central raised portion 92 which raised above an annular outer portion 93. The raised central annular portion 92 is sized so as to fit snugly inside the inner annular wall 133 of an identical cup 20′ for stacking of an upper cup 20′ upon a lower cup 20′ when the lower cup 20′ has its lid 70″ attached. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, each of the upper and lower cups may be filled with fluid and the arrangement provides for assistance in a person carrying the lower cup in one's hand and using it to also carry two cups stacked one upon the other as shown in FIG. 12.

Reference is made to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which shows a container 10 formed from a cup 20″ and a lid 80. The cup 20″ is shown to be formed by a construction in which the bottom closure disc 141 is provided as a separate sheet of material from the material which forms the remainder of the cup. As shown, the center disc 141 comprises a central disc portion 151 from whose circumferential perimeter 152 a frustoconical tapering flange portion 153 extends downwardly. The walls of the cup are shown as being formed from a sheet of material forming at the top of the rim 22 and extending downwardly as the outer annular wall 132 which then bends upwardly at the bottom base 136 and then upwardly as the inner annular wall 133. The flange portion 153 of the disc 141 is sandwiched between the outer annular wall 132 and the inner annular wall 133 sealably engaged therewith.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the lid 80 has a complementary construction to that of the cup 20″. The lid 80 includes as a first sheet member forming the center disc 41 with a circular central disc portion 51 and a tapering annular flange portion 53 which extends downwardly. The lid 80 includes a second sheet member which forms the rolled top rim 34 which extends downwardly as the outer annular wall 32 to the bottom base 36 and then upwardly as an inner annular wall 33 with the flange portion 53 of the center disc 41 between the outer annular wall 32 and the inner annular wall 33.

FIG. 14 shows a vertical cross-section through the container 10 of FIG. 13, as seen in FIG. 13 and shows the outer annular wall 132 of the cup 20″ and the outer annular wall 32 of the lid 80 are frustoconical and nested. The annular flange portion 53 of the center disc of 41 is also frustoconical and nested, preferably fixed to the frustoconical outer annular wall 32 of the lid 80. However, the inner annular wall 33 of the lid 80 is pleated so as to have a zig-zag appearance as seen in plan view in FIG. 14. In this regard, the inner annular wall 33 has a series of V-shape pleats 81 with each pleat having an inner apex 82 engaging with the inside surface of the frustoconical flange portion 53 of the center disc 41 and a pair of wing sections 83 and 84 which extend away from the apex 82 to where they join with outer apex 85 and 86 with sections of an adjacent pleat. Thus, there is a series of fold lines extending parallel a central axis 87 of the cup 20″ at each outer apex 82 and inner apex 85 and 86. Each of the outer apexes 82 is preferably secured as by gluing or bonding to the outer surface of inner annular wall 53 although this is not necessary. In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 13, on the right-hand side, the cross-section shows a cross-section through an inner apex 82 and, at the left-hand side, the cross-section is shown as through an outer apex 85.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the pleated configuration of the inner annular wall 33 provides enhanced structural reinforcement to the cup and notably improved resistance to thermal transfer between the inside of the bottom wall portion of the lid and the outside of the cup through the combination of the pleated inner annular wall 33, the flange portion 53, the outer annular wall 32 of the lid and the outer annular wall 132 of the cup. Resistance to thermal transfer is assisted by reason of air pockets 101 being provided between adjacent pleats and the flange portion 53. These air pockets are closed at a lower end where the sheet is bent upwardly from the flange portion 53 into the inner annular wall 33 as with a series of gussets 89 between the pleats 81. Similarly, in an embodiment of FIG. 13, it is preferred that the air channels 101 are closed at their upper end and this can be accommodated by the inner annular wall 33 including an annular band 88 at is upper end sealed to the flange portion 53 and with additional gussets 89 providing for transition from the annular band 88 into the pleats 81. In this manner, each of the air channels 101 are effectively sealed and will not have the difficulty that fluid in the cup may come to fill them.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 shows the inner annular wall 33 as being pleated, it is to be appreciated that this is not necessary and an unpleated configuration such as shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 13 may be provided entirely about the circumference thus providing the advantage as seen on the right-hand side of FIG. 14 of four layers with one layer representing the outer annular wall 132 of the cup and then three additional layers of the sheet material forming the lid 80.

Reference is made to FIGS. 15 and 16 which shows a modified form of the lid 70 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. The lid 70 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, however, there has been added to the lid a releasable closure member 110 for closing the dispensing orifice 44. The closure member 110 includes a base portion 111 fixedly secured to the disc 41 against removal and connected along a hinge forming groove 113 to a releasable cover portion 114. The cover portion 114 has a flat lower surface which is adapted to overlie the surface of the disc 41 about the dispensing orifice 40 so as to prevent passage of fluid outwardly through the dispensing orifice 44. In this regard, the closure portion 110 is preferably secured to the disc 41 by a releasable adhesive. The closure portion 110 carries at its end distant from the groove 113 a tab portion 114. The tab portion 114 is adapted to be grasped by a user and pulled upwardly so as to release the closure portion 110 from closing the dispensing orifice 44. The closure portion 110 may then be bent backwardly over the groove 113 as, for example, to a position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 16 in which the distal end 115 of the closure portion 110 may frictionally engage the inside surface of the annular outer wall 32 of the lid as to be retained in this open position and permit a user to drink fluid in the cup which may pass outwardly via the dispensing orifice. As seen in FIG. 15, the base portion 111 includes two side arms 116 and 117 which extend laterally over the disc 41. These side arms 116 and 117 are provided so that if a second cup may be desired to be stacked vertically upon the lid of the first cup, the bottom base 136 of the upper cup will rest upon the closed closure portion 110, and all three arms of the base portion 111 providing upper surfaces for support of the bottom base 136 of the upper cup all in a flat plane.

The preferred embodiments of the lid in accordance with the present invention extends inwardly into the cup so as to provide reinforcement of the cup and/or thermal insulation to the cup over portions where the lid and the cup overlap. The overlapping areas such as 344 are preferably of sufficient axial length as to comprise an axial annular portion about the cup which can be grasped by a user and which has due to increased structural strength improved resistance to crushing in the grip of a user and/or increased resistance of thermal transfer between portions of a user's hand engaging the cup and the contents of the cup. Preferably, the lid and the cup overlap for an annular distance in the range of about three-quarters of an inch to more preferably at least one half inch or one inch or two inches. The lid could, in fact, overlap the entire axial length of the outer annular wall 132 of the cup, however, this is not preferred from a point of view of cost yet may be preferred from a point of view of structural integrity and thermal insulation depending on the particular nature and use of the cup. The overlap between the cup and the lid preferably has an upper limit which is proximate the upper edge of the cup and extends downwardly therefrom.

The various preferred embodiments of the cup show the cup as having a rolled upper edge 22 and while this preferred, it is not necessary. Similarly, the preferred embodiments of the lid show the lid as having a rolled upper lip 32, however, this is not necessary. Preferably, it is desired that the combination of the cup and lid provide an upper edge which is comfortable to a user drinking from the container.

Insofar as the lid in accordance with the present invention provides reinforcement to the cup, opportunities are provided for reducing the structural integrity of the cup alone. Thus, the combination of a cup with a lid in accordance with the present invention may be provided as, for example with a reduced wall and therefore strength to the cup which reduced strength and material costs can be compensated for by the additional strength and materials being provided by the reinforcing and overlapping portions of the lid.

In accordance with the preferred embodiments and as, for example, as seen in the various Figures, the overlapping portions of the lid and cup provide for increased resistance to thermal transfer through the overlapping portions. As shown in the preferred embodiments, increased thermal resistance is accomplished by the lid and cup and the overlapping portions having a plurality of layers of materials. However, the multiple layers of the lid could be accomplished by having a single layer of thicker material or having one or more layers of material which is of enhanced reduction to thermal transfer such as by being pocketed or fluted or castellated or otherwise.

The preferred embodiments show the lid as being annular and as having an axial extent which is constant about the circumference of the lid. This is not necessary and, for example, it may be adequate as to provide for the lid to have insulated portions which extend downwardly into the cup over merely portions of the circumference of the lid.

Reference is made to FIGS. 17 and 18 which show a new version of a lid 120 which differs from the lid shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 in two respects. Firstly, the lid in FIG. 17 does not have a rolled rim but rather is provided with an upper rim 34 which represents merely the thickness of the side wall 32. Secondly, the side wall 32 does not extend axially a constant amount, rather, there are two root-like portions diametrically opposed and disposed opposite to each other on a diameter which extends through the orifice 40 which root-like portions extend axially downwardly a greater extent than intermediate diametrically opposed portions. When inserted into a cup, as shown in FIG. 18, a user is intended to grasp the side wall 32 of the cup over insulating and overlapping areas corresponding to the root-like portion. The embodiment of FIG. 17 is intended to reduce the materials required to form the lid and thus possibly reduce its costs. Preferably, visible indicia may be provided so as to indicate to a user where the user should grasp the container 10 albeit such indicia may not be necessary insofar as persons are generally inclined to grasp a container when drinking diametrically in line with orifice 40. The embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18 on which the lid 120 does not include a rolled top edge provides one configuration for a lid in which when the lid is in a sealingly nested condition, it is difficult for a user to grasp the container 10 merely by engaging the lid. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 shows the lid first end 322 as being disposed at a height above the cup first end 220. This is not necessary and the relative diameters and proportions of the lid 120 of FIGS. 17 and 18 may be selected such that the lid first end 320 is above the same location as or below the cup first end 220. Insofar as the lid 120 has its lid first end 320 proximate to the cup first end 220 or lower cup first end 220 than to remove the lid, a user can, for example, grasp the closure member 110 when a closure member 110 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is incorporated on the lid.

Reference is made to FIGS. 19 and 20 which shows another embodiment of a container 10 in accordance with the present invention utilizing another version of a lid 140 which is identical to the lid 120 shown in FIG. 17, however, includes a frustoconical upper portion 332 which extends upwardly from the location of the rim 34 in FIGS. 17 and 18 to an upper rim 234 of a smaller diameter. As seen in FIG. 20, this configuration has the advantage of providing an increased volume to the liquid retention sump 91 yet provides a configuration of the lid where the lid extends upwardly beyond the rolled rim 220 which renders it difficult for a user to grasp the lid when the lid is in the sealed nested condition. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, as in each of embodiments illustrated, when in the sealed nested condition, the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface 32 over the downwardly tapering frustoconical surfaces and the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface produce compressive forces therebetween sufficient to form the fluid impermeable seal therebetween and to resist removal of the lid from the cup.

Although plastic lids may be manufactured with a stamping process, paper lids may be made with the following exemplary forming and gluing process. First, a flat stock of paper is stamped into flat trapezoidal sections. Second, the sections are rolled around a die form and two edges are glued together to create a tapered tube. Third, a lid bottom is stamped to form a circular shape with a straight lip orthogonal to the bottom. Then, the lid bottom is inserted into the lid and glued to the inner wall of the lid.

The embodiments of lids described in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C may be readily manufactured using a conventional stamping process or by a forming and gluing process. The embodiments of lids described in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are preferably made with a stamping process.

The embodiments of the lid described in FIGS. 8 to 20 preferably are paper lids which are made from paper-type materials. In this regard, each of the cups is preferably a paper cup and the lid is preferably a paper lid such that the cups and lids are recyclable together without the need for separation. As used herein, the term paper is used to refer to paper cups and paper lids and intended to broadly refer to paper and cellulose fibers, however, not limited to what might be considered only paper. Included are paper, paperboard, cardboard and other paper-like materials which may or may not have various coatings or layers or plasticizers and the like. In accordance with the preferred embodiments as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 8 to 20, the cups and the lids are preferably made from the same materials such that they may be readily recycled together without separation. It is within the scope, however, of FIGS. 8 to 20 that the cup and lid may be made from any materials including plastic and that the cup need not be made of the same materials as the lid. For example, a lid may be desired to be formed from plastic materials whereas the cup may be characterized as a paper cup.

Similarly, the cup may comprise a foam cup such as made of STYROFOAM (trade mark) and other plastic materials as may the lid. It may be preferred, however, that each of the cup and lid if not made from the same materials may be made from the same class of materials when such materials are concealed for the purposes of recycling. For example, if a cup may be considered a paper cup for the purposes of recycling, then the lid may preferably be formed of a material which is also suitable for recycling with paper such as, for example, paperboard, cardboard or other cellulose material. Similarly, if the cup may be made from a plastic material that may be preferred that the cup is also formed from the same plastic material and other material which will be characterized so as to be recyclable with the plastic material.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A container comprising in combination a cup and a separate lid, the cup comprising a hollow, frustroconical cup body having a cup first end and a cup second end, the cup body including a annular cup side wall extending from the cup first end to the cup second end; the cup side wall having an inwardly directed inner cup wall surface and an outwardly directed outer cup wall surface, the cup open at the cup first end, the cup closed proximate the cup second end via a cup bottom disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the cup side wall, the cup bottom disc having an first surface directed towards the cup first end, the inner cup wall surface at the cup first end having a cup first end inner diameter greater than a cup bottom inner diameter of the inner cup wall surface at the first surface of the cup bottom disc, the lid comprising a hollow, frustroconical lid body having a lid first end and a lid second end, the lid body including an annular lid side wall extending from the lid first end to the lid second end; the lid side wall having an inwardly directed inner lid wall surface and an outwardly directed outer lid wall surface, the lid open at the lid first end, the lid open at the lid first end the lid closed intermediate the lid first end and the lid second end via a lid disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the lid side wall, the lid disc having an second surface directed towards the lid second end, a fluid port forming orifice through the lid disc for permitting fluid flow, the outer lid wall surface at the lid first end having a lid first end outer diameter greater than a lid second end outer diameter of the outer lid wall surface at the second lid end, the outer lid wall surface at the lid second end having a lid second end outer diameter greater than the cup bottom inner diameter, the lid insertable into the cup to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup with: (a) the lid second end within the cup, (b) the second surface of the lid disc directed towards the first surface of the cup bottom disc, and (c) the outwardly directed outer lip wall surface frictionally engaging with the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface so as to preventing fluid flow between the lid side wall and the cup side wall.
 2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid second end outer diameter being greater than the cup second end inner diameter.
 3. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid second end is located between the cup first end and the cup second end.
 4. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid first end outer diameter being greater than the cup first end outer diameter.
 5. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lid first end outer diameter being greater than the lid first end outer diameter.
 6. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid side wall extends away from the cup bottom disc outwardly past the cup first end.
 7. A container as claimed in claim 3 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid side wall extends away from the cup bottom disc outwardly past the cup first end.
 8. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid disc is proximate the cup first end.
 9. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein when the lid is not coupled to the cup, the cup is adapted to receive a volume of fluid which would fill the cup to a liquid level to a preferred height above the cup bottom disc, and wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid disc is above the preferred height.
 10. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein when the lid is not coupled to the lid, the cup is adapted to receive a preset volume of fluid and wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition with an axis of the frustoconical cup portion vertical and the cup is holding the preset volume of fluid, the lid disc is above an upper level of the preset volume of fluid received in the cup.
 11. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid side wall having an insulating value, wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid side wall overlaps with the cup side wall over an insulating overlapping area which has an increased insulating value compared to the cap side wall alone, the outwardly directed outer cup wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall being adapted for engagement by a hand of a user so as to assist in reducing thermal transfer therethrough between material in the cup and the user's hand.
 12. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cup or lid include visual indicia identifying to a user portions of the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall.
 13. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein portions of the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall comprises an annular band extending; (a) circumferentially entirely about the cup side wall, and (b) axially from the cup first end towards the cup second end a distance selected from the group consisting of: at least the width of a user's finger, at least the width of a user's thumb, at least ½ inch, at least ¾ inch, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5 inches, and at least 2 inches.
 14. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the lid side wall includes a plurality of insulating bodies integral with the lid side wall.
 15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein said lid side wall comprises a double-wall structure.
 16. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cup or lid include visual indicia indicating to that the container with the lid in the sealed nested condition should not be held merely by a user engaging the lid.
 17. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lid carries at the lid first end structure which renders it difficult for a user to grasp the lid when the lid in the sealed nested condition.
 18. A container as claimed in claim 17 wherein the structure comprises an extension of the lid first end which extends away from the lid second end and tapers inwardly to an open dispensing mouth of reduced diameter compared to the lid first end outer diameter.
 19. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the sealed nested condition the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface and the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface produce compressive forces therebetween sufficient to form the fluid impermeable seal therebetween.
 20. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a paper material and the lid has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the lid first end, and the cup comprises a paper material and the cup has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open cup first end. 